Swiss Nuclear Reactors Shut Down as Aare River Warms

Two nuclear reactors in Switzerland have been deactivated after rising river temperatures reduced the effectiveness of their cooling systems. Energy company Axpo confirmed that the two Beznau reactor units, cooled by water from the Aare River, are now in a state of total shutdown. The company had been gradually reducing output since earlier in the week. Axpo stated that the temperature of the Aare River reached 25 degrees Celsius, a level at which sufficient cooling for operations is no longer possible. Both units, located on an island in the Aare at Dottingen, temporarily suspended electricity production on Friday. A report published by World Weather Attribution (WWA) on Friday indicated that the severe heatwave currently affecting Europe is the most intense on record for the region. The study found that such extreme temperatures were virtually impossible 50 years ago and are likely caused by climate change driven by fossil fuels.